Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Erna

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Always loved Paris and wanted to set out a challenge for myself

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

Not on scholarship

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Well balanced. People know how to party and study ;)

Would you recommend the city and the University of Paris to other students?

Yes

What is the food like?

The food was a huge adjustment for me. Get ready to consume a lot of carbs when you’re here.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

No, thankfully I have family here so it was not difficult at all. Though I believe finding accommodation would be not very difficult as there are many ads on Facebook for example.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

I can live comfortably with about 500 euros a month. This includes daily food, a little bit of shopping and having a nightlife.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I started learning French properly here, and language is quite a big struggle. But it’s all about getting out of your comfort zone and learning through new experiences ;)

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Paris from your city?

Metro metro metro! It’s so easy to travel around Paris and having the yearly student card makes life so much easier.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Paris?

It depends. If you like clubbing, head down to Bastille as there are a lot of bars/clubs there. Just don’t forget to bring spare change for your coats.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Paris?

Everywhere is good. Don’t be fooled by low prices, because you can get a good donut for 20 cents :)

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The list is too long. Everywhere is beautiful :)

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Paris in the future?

Don’t rely on public transport. Sometimes, trains and buses don’t run and you don’t want to be late for class. So make sure you always find an alternative way to get to school (or wherever you’re heading to) :) Enjoy Paris! Take as many pictures as you can because everywhere u go is a delight for ur eyes :)